fake drum serial?
 

Hi to all, can anyone tell me what the number is , when the digits of the serial number are added together, which denotes a fake drum? I thought it was 17 but not sure? Thanks, best to all, til....lat'r....GT:cheers:

Luger Folklore~ https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/b...-magazine.html

Yes, the numbers add up to 17.

Most also have a splotchy spattered rust pattern applied to them.

Hi G.T.
There is another distinguishing feature (God forbid you should pass-up a genuine drum whose numbers just happen to add up to 17), the serial number fonts are different. While both authentic and fake drums have identical fonts on their rims (the charge numbers) the serial number fonts differ. The fake drums use the same font on both their rims and their serials, the authentic drum's serial font is noticeably different, it uses a flat topped #3.
You may well ask what happens if there is no #3 in a genuine serial number that just happens to add up to 17? Then G.T., you are up Schitts Creek, as they say on T.V.
Norm

It's fake!
 

Thanks Norm and Vlim, it is definitely a fake! All the way from the font addition and type to the scattered rust spots... BUT! That having been said, they're really, really well made for a copy? The biggest tip off for me was the sloppy spot welding? Then I looked further and hence the forum inquiry... Now to make it work!..... ;)...Thanks guys, best to all, til....lat'r.....GT.....:cheers:

I call the fake number "carnival" fancy. The original German numbers are very plain.

I Checked 'The Luger Snail Drum By Edward C. Sayre_
 

He lists over a hundred drums, both first and second later model lists over 200 with only a few if any total 17 numbers listed, pages 114 to 118!!!! Several Hundred!!! I Bought both from George Anderson! My first Nurnburg #17732 and second #400271~I don't know where the 17 came from ??? Get the book! https://www.amazon.com/Luger-Snail-O.../dp/1931464421

George Anderson was the Co author for Ed Sayer's book when Ed died although his heirs refused to recognize him. Little know facts of Luger lore.

George Anderson always sold me the finest lugers and accessories including my two drums, loader and dust cover~ I never asked where he got them, I didn't have to!

George is one of the finest Luger bloodhounds on the planet Eric......

Hi Norm,
Looking at your photos of fake #112319 above. It seems like the B/N Bing symbol could be electro-pencil engraved, rather than stamped ?
Thanks again for your informative post.
Mark

Hi Mark,
I must confess that I never looked at the B/N mark that closely before, but now that you mention it, I think you are correct.
I downloaded the two photos of #112319 from a US dealer's web site a few years ago, before the number 17 thing became common knowledge.
Regards, Norm

Wrong, Most fakes wind up with '17'Some may by chance wind up with '17'. Over 400 contained in the book, either old or new models don't!!!! Are they all Fakes! Is George Anderson and others wrong?? Did He Sell Me Two Fakes? NOT!!! Issue discussed in Jans' Forum!!!!!Did the '17 apply to both OLD and NEW models?? Mine are Nurnberg 1st issue/type Type one #17732 and Nurnberg 2nd issue/type '400271' ~See~

repro drums?
 

Hi to all, in working on this recently established reproduction drum, I'm pretty sure there is way more to this than we are aware of? Forming dies to make these parts are not just lying around everywhere? The repro drums are a very close copy, and well made with regard to gauge of metal and accuracy of formed parts?
The tells that give it away are consistent and once known, obvious? But the question is, why? I think the parts were made on left over original equipment somewhere , sometime ago..... They would have been better off to not mark them or number them at all.... best to all, til....lat'r....GT...:cheers:

Hi My Hero, I Agree, Leave As Is! God Bless! PS~ Stay Away From '17' Total!!!!!

A Must Read In Jans' Drum Thread Last Year! Regarding '17' https://www.lugerforums.com/threads/...or-sale.30933/